News

May 29, 2017 Council Meeting Highlights

May 30, 2017

Office of the Mayor

For immediate release – May 30, 2017

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Seniors Week

From June 5 – 11, the Corporation of Delta will be celebrating Seniors Week to acknowledge the unique contributions made by Delta’s young-at-heart. There are many exciting events happening at recreation centres throughout our community, including the Pancake Breakfast, Mah Jong Open House, and Strawberry Tea at McKee Seniors Recreation Centre; the BBQ lunch, Milestone Tea, and Summertime Dinner & Dance at Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre; as well as plenty of other recreation, nutrition, and wellness activities taking place at seniors centres and at the North Delta Recreation Centre. For a complete list of Seniors Week festivities, please visit our Event Calendar.

Soap Box Derby

The Corporation of Delta, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, is excited to bring the 2nd Annual Soap Box Derby back to 6th Avenue in Tsawwassen on Saturday, June 10. This year’s event is shaping up to look bigger and better than last year, including 3 to 4 kart runs for 60 racers. Driving the kart for the Corporation of Delta this year is 9 year old Maya Towstyka. Come out and cheer on the drivers as they race to become this year’s Soap Box Champion. The race begins at 10 am.

Proposed guidelines for phasing developments involving a heritage building to prioritize the restoration of the heritage building;

Recommendations for updating heritage inventories, proposed new Heritage Conservation Levy, and establishment of a reserve fund for heritage related projects; and

Next steps for the review of heritage initiatives.

The updated Delta Heritage Strategy will establish a vision for heritage conservation over the next 10 years. View the staff report.

DISCUSSION REPORTS

Spring Freshet/Irrigation Water Supply Update

Council received an update on the Fraser River Spring freshet and irrigation water supply. Due to heavy rainfall and below average temperatures this spring, snow packs in the Middle and Lower Fraser Basins continued to accumulate well into May. With warmer weather expected to continue throughout the week, water flows in the Fraser River are anticipated to increase with the of accelerated snow melt.

With regards to irrigation water supply, Environment and Climate Change Canada are expecting above-normal temperatures from now through July, which may increase the demand for irrigation water. As a result of the irrigation supply pipe collapse at the Tasker Pump Station, temporary irrigation pumps will be installed to accommodate the 2017 irrigation season. The permanent pipe replacement is scheduled the fall. View the staff report.

Provincial Water Lot Leases Update and UBCM Resolution

Council approved the submission of a resolution regarding Provincial water lot leases for consideration at the 2017 Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual conference. Council received a report at the March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting on the issue of provincial water lot leases, including correspondence with Craig Sutherland, Assistant Deputy Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. Mayor Lois E. Jackson, Delta Council, and Chief Administrative Officer George V. Harvie were disappointed with the Province of British Columbia’s decision to not provide long-term leases for the Seven Seas properties, as requested by the Corporation of Delta. The lease delays and uncertainty has stalled critical investments and redevelopment opportunities that are vital to the local economy of Ladner Village. View the staff report.

For more information on this news release, contact the Mayor’s Office at 604-946-3210 or e-mail mayor@delta.ca.